North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his military should thoroughly annihilate the United States and South Korea if provoked, state media reported Monday, after he vowed to boost national defense to cope with what he called an unprecedented U.S.-led confrontation.
In recent months, North Korea has escalated its bellicose rhetoric in response to the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military exercises. Experts anticipate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will continue to intensify his rhetoric and weapons tests, believing that heightened tensions could be used to extract concessions from the United States, especially if former President Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.
During a significant ruling party meeting last week, Kim announced plans to launch three military spy satellites, increase nuclear material production, and develop attack drones in 2024. Observers interpret this move as an effort to bolster North Korea’s leverage in future diplomatic negotiations with the U.S.
In a meeting with army officers on Sunday, Kim emphasized the urgent need to strengthen “the treasured sword” to safeguard national security, referring to the country’s nuclear weapons program. He expressed concerns about “hostile forces’ military confrontation moves” by the U.S. and others.
Kim insisted that North Korea’s army should be ready to deliver a decisive blow against any military confrontation or provocations, stating that they should mobilize all available means without hesitation.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in his New Year’s Day address, pledged to enhance the military’s preemptive strike, missile defense, and retaliatory capabilities in response to the North Korean nuclear threat. Yoon emphasized building lasting peace through strength rather than dependence on the adversary’s goodwill.
During the party meeting, Kim referred to South Korea as a “hemiplegic malformation and colonial subordinate state” tainted by “Yankee culture.” He indicated that North Korea might use all available means, including nuclear weapons, to suppress South Korea in the event of a conflict.
Responding to this, South Korea’s Defense Ministry warned on Sunday that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in overwhelming punishment by South Korean and U.S. forces, potentially leading to the end of the Kim government.
KCNA reported that North Korean officials held talks on Monday to implement Kim’s order to disband or reform organizations handling relations with South Korea, aiming to fundamentally change the North’s approach to the South. military should thoroughly
Experts suggest the possibility of small-scale military clashes along the heavily armed border between North and South Korea in the coming year. North Korea is also expected to test-launch intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the mainland U.S. and deploy other significant weapons.
Since 2022, North Korea has conducted over 100 missile tests, prompting joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. Additionally, North Korea has sought to strengthen ties with China and Russia, hindering efforts by the U.S. and its partners in the UN Security Council to impose stricter sanctions over weapons tests. military should thoroughly
On New Year’s Day, Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged messages on enhancing bilateral ties. North Korea faces suspicions of supplying conventional arms for Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for advanced Russian technologies to boost its military programs.
Estimates of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal vary, with some suggesting 20-30 bombs, while others believe it could be over 100. Although North Korea faces technological challenges for functional nuclear-armed ICBMs, its shorter-range nuclear-capable missiles can already reach South Korea and Japan.